Dealer Dealers: How has the Economy Affected You & Kubota Corp.

[tommyz270]

Wish I could work with the owner... that way, the man who says yes or no and ultimately makes the decisions can give you a better deal than the sales guy.

Interesting if their business isn't hurting - means less of a chance of getting a really good deal

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Things seem pretty normal to us. Sales have changed some, small tractors are down but bigger ones are up. Credit standards have tightened, but that happened a long time ago. I would say that on average we're seeing profit margins shinking as everyone is working hard to get each and every deal they can, the numbers don't seem to indicate that this should be necessary, but the constant harping on the economy does stick in your brain. The season did get a late start because of the weather, we won't be able to say with certainty how things are until the season is over. We hired two people last week if that says anything about our outlook.

 

[LarryR]

Talked to 2 Deere dealers within the last 4 weeks. At that time we were not getting any rain. They were not selling much of anything (including riding lawnmowers). Now for the last 2 weeks, we've been getting 2-6" of rain and both dealers are still not moving inventory. Both dealers have laid off personnel. Parts is only thing keeping one of them going.

 

[art]

More than once they didn't so I was "stuck" talking with the dealership owner instead.

Mike

Uh, I guess that I'd better get more sales people if all customers feel this way.

We came off a good year last year. Working good this year and hope to be able to be ahead again. Markets are changing some and some equipment is harder to get in the ag end.

 

[rpoage]

Good to hear thing are going well in the tractor biz. I'm pretty sure I'm not interested in a goverment backed Kubota/Fiat in the garage any time soon.

 

[ccsial]

Good to hear thing are going well in the tractor biz. I'm pretty sure I'm not interested in a goverment backed Kubota/Fiat in the garage any time soon.

If this administration takes over the car companies we'll probably have to peddle them around.

 

[Tom_H]

If this administration takes over the car companies we'll probably have to peddle them around.

I asked how tractor dealers were faring in this economy. Political views are forbidden from discussion on this site. Please stick with the topic.

 

[JoelD]

my local deere dealer seems to be carrying much less inventory than in past years.

I struggle to understand how the non-commercial buyers could be keeping up the pace from the past considering what unemployment is doing.

I actually see less traffic going to work.

It's amazing the change.

joel

 

[Turbys_1700]

The local NH dealer here in Conover, Tarheel Tractor, just closed operations. They operated 3 sites. The local Kubota dealer in Newton seems to be doing well with good new and used inventory.

 

[NuBota]

Uh, I guess that I'd better get more sales people if all customers feel this way.

Art, I think Mike was being facetious with the "stuck" phrase - of course your response may have been in the same vein. I think most really like to get "stuck" with the owner. At my dealer, all the folks recognize me, including the owner, and many remember what I own - and I am an infrequent "homeowner" client. I really appreciate the attention...

Hope things continue to go well for you!